Former vice-president of World Bank’s Africa Region, Oby Ezekwesili, has called for more policies and programmes to strengthen democracy in the continent.

Ms Ezekwesili made the call in Abuja on Thursday at the African Conference organised by the School of Politics, Policy and Governance.

She stressed that democracy could only thrive when the electoral system was transparent and competent leaders were present to tackle the social and economic challenges faced on the continent.

She also said that the SPPS programme was to groom young leaders from 20 African countries with the right mindset to improve the standard of governance.

“What we are doing is correcting not just the supply side dealing by having a school that raises a new generation of politicians that will government for public good for the collective good of the society and not for their personal interest.

“We are, in fact, also focused on the political literacy that is giving to the demand side so that they understand their influence to determine the quality of governance,” she said.

Zanetor Rawlings, a Ghanaian lawmaker, expressed concern over the impact of foreign interference in Africa by introducing political and economic models that had impoverished the people.

The legislator emphasised the need for inclusive governance and accountability to address crimes against humanity in the country.

Also, a Cameroonian political activist, Kah Walla, said that over 45 million people were displaced in Africa annually due to conflicts caused by poor governance.

He stressed the need to tackle the problems and bring conflict to the barest minimum.

(NAN)